Four Seasons Boston: Hotel and spa review

Posted by Lauren Gamp on 30th August 2018

Lauren Gamp reviews an 80-minute in-room massage at the Four Seasons Boston

The spa

On the eighth floor of the hotel is a well-equipped gym, indoor pool, steam room and dry sauna. On weekends, complimentary coffee and fruit is served by the pool until 10am. There’s one treatment room situated between the changing rooms, but instead I opt for an in-suite massage for a more bespoke, relaxed and private experience.

The treatment

What the Four Seasons Boston lacks in a full spa, it makes up for in ambience and experience. My massage therapist arrives at my suite, folded massage bed strapped to her shoulder, and sets up in next to no time. She adjusts the room’s temperature and lighting to my liking, even letting me select a soundtrack to my treatment from her tranquil music library.

Verdict

Having a massage in the comfort of my own room was far more relaxing than anticipated. There was no rush to get changed and leave after, and every element could be adapted and tailored to my own needs and preferences.

The hotel

The hotel is every bit as grand and traditional as you would expect from a Four Seasons establishment. The entrance faces South Boston Common, which is where I’m greeted by two doormen who relieve me of my bags before I even reach the revolving doors. After an extremely warm welcome at check-in, I’m shown to my room, passing the Bristol restaurant on the way, which is already buzzing with atmosphere at 3pm.

Sleep

My room is an executive suite, overlooking the snow-topped Boston common. There’s a vase of fresh flowers and a plate of homemade sweet treats, the perfect reception after a four-hour Greyhound bus ride from Manhattan. The room is open-plan apartment-style, with a white marble bathroom and generously large living room, leading straight onto the bedroom, which can be separated by sliding double doors.

Eat

With so many culinary options on offer on the hotel’s doorstep, I opt to explore and dine out for dinner. Thankfully, I get to sample the hotel’s offering at breakfast the next day. I choose to dine in my suite, at my window-side table. I order poached eggs on toast, with breakfast sausages, herby potatoes and mixed baby tomatoes. I also order a breakfast dessert of blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, because life’s too short to wonder what the blueberry pancakes might have tasted like. The room service cart keeps the food warm until you’re ready for it, which is perfect for a two-course breakfast order.

Highlight

In a time where trend and technology-led hotels are entering the hospitality market en masse, there’s something to be said for remembering tradition and genuine customer service. Being in a new city can be overwhelming, but recommendations from the hotel’s concierge, Joe, were a real highlight. He even made a reservation at the fully booked restaurant and sent a personalised booking note to the room including his favourite dishes from the menu.

Best for

Those who have grown tired of ‘too cool for customer service’ city hotels, who crave a return to the more trustworthy, traditional establishments that have a sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere.